"Peter Pan" Auditions May 3-4

Don't forget, "Peter Pan" auditions are this Sunday and Monday, May 3-4! Auditions for adults are at 7 p.m. both nights at the Vam York Theater, and at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at Trinity Methodist Church for kids 16 and under.

For audition tips, check out the January post for "Pippin." Don't forget to consult your summer calendar before you audition – the show runs from July 10-August 9, and the production staff will need to know about schedule conflicts in advance.

Break a leg! I'll be watching...

xo xo GCP Girl

"Daddy's Dyin'" poster!

Here's a look at the poster for "Daddy's Dyin'," which opens May 15 at the GCP. I really like the design, and I think it will get a lot of attention (as might the PG-13 rating!). Looking forward to seeing what the fabulous cast and crew have in store for us!

xo xo GCP Girl

Calling all Bob Vila wannabes...

If you want to channel your inner Bob Vila or Tim Taylor, set construction for "Daddy's Dyin'" starts tomorrow at the GCP at 10 a.m.  (If you are the Tim Taylor type, we suggest you find a nice quiet occupation, like painting. With a small brush. ;-) Even if  you only have a couple of hours to spare, they could use your help, so please stop by!  Joe will find something for you to do.

Mark your calendars for the preview performance, May 14, and opening night, May 15!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Pippin" Cast Profile: Elizabeth Dean

"Pippin" Player Elizabeth Dean, who also understudied the role of Catherine, looks back on her Gainesville career as graduation looms...

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.

ED: At the GCP, I've been in "Jane Eyre," "Oliver!," "Hot Mikado" and "Beauty and the Beast." At the Star Center, I've been in "Little Women," "Once on this Island," and "Seussical," and at UF I was in "Lysistrata."

GCP Girl: What was your favorite show or role?
ED: Well, Jane Eyre was the most challenging role, "Beauty and the Beast" was probably the most fun show-wise, and Jo in "Little Women" has been my favorite part.

GCP Girl: What do you feel is your area of expertise - singing, acting or dancing?
ED: I've always thought of myself as an actress first, although I do sing and dance.

GCP Girl: What does your "Pippin" icon represent?
ED: At a sleep over in (I think it was) 6th grade, my friends and I were designing our own fake tattoos. For some reason, I drew some random symbol that honestly does not mean anything in particular, but for some reason has stuck with me.

GCP Girl: What do you hope people take away from "Pippin"?
ED: I honestly hope they just have A LOT of fun, because it is most definitely fun getting up there and performing it.

GCP Girl: What is your dream role?
ED: I do not know anymore. My dream roles had originally been Belle and Jo, and now I've played them both. I guess now I would like to play them professionally. OOO – or be in "Mamma Mia," because that is such a fun show!

GCP Girl: What is your favorite quote?
ED: There is a quote from "The Princess Diaries" that I love but I cannot remember it, so instead it shall be "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." - Eleanor Roosevelt.

GCP Girl: What inspires you?
ED: Life.

GCP Girl: Tell me one thing about yourself you would like everyone to know!
ED: I can never express how thankful I am to the GCP community and to basically the theatre scene in Gainesville for all the opportunities they have given me. I have learned so much from
performing here. I love everyone so much and no matter how excited I seem to be leaving... I will miss everyone a great deal!

Thanks, Liz! We will miss you too! Saturday is the last day of "Pippin," so don't miss it!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Pippin" Production Team Profile: Betty Keena

"Pippin" Costume Designer Betty Keena brings her own vision to the show's unique style!

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows. 

BK: I've worked on "Music Man," "Beauty and the Beast," "The Crucible," and "Secret Garden" at the GCP.

GCP Girl: What was your favorite show? 

BK: My favorite show I've worked on to this point has been "Secret Garden."

GCP Girl: What do you feel is your area of expertise - singing, acting or dancing? 

BK: Certainly not singing, acting or dancing...but I'm pretty good at observing...I know when things are working and when they aren't.

GCP Girl: What does your "Pippin" icon represent? 

BK: If I had one, it would be a needle and thread, of course!

GCP Girl: What do you hope people take away from "Pippin"? 

BK: That "compromise" does not mean "failure"....in fact, it can mean the greatest kind of triumph.

GCP Girl: What is your dream role? 

BK: I'll change this to "My dream play to be involved with," since I wouldn't be qualified for ANY of the best roles I can think of! But my dream show to be involved with ~~GIGI OMG~~the music, the script, the costuming!

GCP Girl: What is your favorite quote? 

BK: At the moment: "You can't have it all."– Katharine Hepburn

GCP Girl: What inspires you? 

BK: Human beings who use their talents to the best of their ability for the happiness or good of others.

GCP Girl: Tell me one thing about yourself you would like everyone to know! 

BK: I prefer to remain a woman of mystery!

Thanks, Betty! Everyone looks great. Hurry and catch "Pippin" for its last three performances!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Pippin" Production Team Profile: Justin Slack

"Pippin" Keyboardist/Percussionist/Assistant Set Decorator Justin Slack talks about roles he'd "kill" to have...

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.

JS: I've been in productions of "Anyone Can Whistle," "Children of Eden," "My Fair Lady," "Oliver!," "Jane Eyre," "Merrily We Roll Along," "Guys and Dolls," "Anne of Green Gables," "Assassins," "Into the Woods," "Hot Mikado," "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," "Songs for a New World," and "Ragtime."

GCP Girl: What was your favorite role?
JS: Lee Harvey Oswald in “Assassins.”

GCP Girl: What do you feel is your area of expertise - singing, acting or dancing?
JS: Singing.

GCP Girl: What do you hope people take away from "Pippin"?
JS: I hope people leave thinking, “Wow! The GCP puts on great shows and I should tell all my friends to come see shows at GCP. I can’t wait for the next one.”

GCP Girl: What is your dream role?
JS: Norman Bates in a staged version of "Psycho," because the character is extremely interesting, and staged because two movies are enough.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite quote?
JS: “If you are passionate about the field you work in, you are destined to excel.”

GCP Girl: What inspires you?
JS: Life inspires me.

GCP Girl: Tell me one thing about yourself you would like everyone to know!
JS: I think GCP Girl is hot.

And Justin is now my favorite!  If you have not seen "Pippin," you only have four more chances! Don't miss it!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Pippin" Production Team Profile: Lisa Litz

"Pippin" Music Director Lisa Litz takes five from the orchestra pit...

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
LL: I was music director for "Secret Garden," and stage crew for "Hello, Dolly!," and played Mrs. Bedwin in "Oliver," all at GCP. Back in St. Louis: "Jesus Christ Superstar" (ensemble), "Once Upon a Mattress," "Nunsense" (MD/pianist), "Into the Woods" (Cinderella's Sister), "Fiddler On the Roof" (townsperson), "Oklahoma!" (MD), "Brigadoon" (AMD), "Godspell" (MD), "Stage Door" (Madeline), "Godspell" (disciple), and my most controversial role - "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" - in which I played Joseph!!! (all-girl high school).

GCP Girl: What was your favorite role?
LL: Favorite so far - Music Directing at GCP - I LOVE IT!!!

GCP Girl: What do you feel is your area of expertise - singing, acting or dancing?
LL: Singing/Music.

GCP Girl: What does your "Pippin" icon represent?
LL: I don't have one...I wish I did! Along with wishing I had colored hair, fab makeup and glitter!!!

GCP Girl: What do you hope people take away from "Pippin"?
LL: Some of the feathers that rain down on me in the pit! Just joking. I hope people take away any kind of message they can get from "Pippin." It seems to me there are multiple messages people could take, but I also know humans usually only take away a small portion of what they see/hear...good thing there's so much good in "Pippin"!

GCP Girl: What is your dream role?
LL: Hmmm, so many! Aldonza from "Man of La Mancha" - I don't know - I just feel her songs...

GCP Girl: What is your favorite quote?
LL: "If you do what is best for you, it will be, without a doubt, best for all concerned." - Anonymous

GCP Girl: What inspires you?
LL: The synergy that happens between people when they meet each other where they are and multiply their energy.

GCP Girl: Tell me one thing about yourself you would like everyone to know!
LL: I love everyone involved with "Pippin"! You guys are doing great!

Thanks, Lisa! "Pippin" returns tomorrow night for its final four shows!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Pippin" Crew Profile: Katie Keena

"Pippin" Stage Manager Katie Keena takes a break from keeping everyone in line backstage...

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
KK: At the GCP, I've been involved with "Music Man," "Beauty and the Beast," "Secret Garden," "Beau Jest," "See How They Run," "Pippin," and "The Crucible"; at SFCC, "Grandma Duck is Dead," "Stars Night Out," and several small dance and jazz shows; and at the Star Center, "Beauty and the Beast," "Once Upon a Mattress," and "Anne of Green Gables."

GCP Girl: What was your favorite show or role?
KK: Of course being the SM for a show is my favorite "role," but I performed as the Queen in "Once Upon a Mattress" and had too much fun playing her.

GCP Girl: What do you feel is your area of expertise in the theatre?
KK: Being bossy and watchful, hence...Stage Manager.

GCP Girl: What does your "Pippin" icon represent?
KK: I didn't have one...but if I did, I'm sure everyone would agree it'd either be a bull whip or a cattle prod.

GCP Girl: What do you hope people take away from "Pippin"?
KK: That it took a lot of work to do this show, and that everyone – actors, production team, and others – worked really hard to create what they see onstage.

GCP Girl: What is your dream role?
KK: To stage manage the Olympics. That would be the most awesome epic thing EVER.

GCP Girl: What is your favorite quote?
KK: "Seize the day." or "That which does not kill us makes us stronger."

GCP Girl: What inspires you?
KK: My friends. They are the most creative and supportive people I know. I love them.

GCP Girl: Tell me one thing about yourself you would like everyone to know!
KK: "Peter Pan" will be one of my last musicals at GCP.

Thanks, Katie! Only six more chances to see "Pippin" before it closes!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Pippin" Production Team Profile: Ashley McPherson

"Pippin" Vocal Director Ashley McPherson discusses life, love and a "Wicked" fantasy!

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
AM: The most recent show that I was involved with was "Into the Woods" with the Star Center. I played the role of Cinderella. Prior to that I was a chorus member in "Hello, Dolly!" at GCP, Vocal Director for Gainesville High School's production of "Grease," Meg in the Star Center's production of "Little Women," and the Milk Maid in GCP's "Oliver."

GCP Girl: What was your favorite show or role?
AM: My favorite role so far was Cinderella in "Into the Woods." I loved playing alongside my husband, who was Cinderella's Prince. My favorite show so far was "Hello, Dolly!" I loved how close the cast and the production staff got,  and the conversations backstage were the best!

GCP Girl: What do you feel is your area of expertise - singing, acting or dancing?
AM: That's easy - singing! I am not the best dancer, and my acting needs some work, so it has to be singing. I think I have a decent voice and someday I would love to master my belt.

GCP Girl: What does your "Pippin" icon represent?
AM: My icon, or the great one Justin made, represents the production staff. It is an intertwined symbol for all the positions on the production staff, because every aspect of our design created the show you see today.

GCP Girl: What do you hope people take away from "Pippin"?
AM: I hope people who come to see this show get the overall message of how happiness is what you make of it, and that having love and family in one's life is truly special. Also, I hope people enjoy the hard work everyone has put into the show. This production contains so many talented people, and thanks to everyone's efforts, the show is a success!

GCP Girl: What is your dream role?
AM: That's a tough one. I have several. However, if I had to pick only one, it would be Elphaba in "Wicked." I love that character so much because she is someone I can relate to. I struggled, like most people, with the growing up experience, and I love how she overcame all that to be the best person she could be. Also, the love scene between her and Fiyero is just too hot! My dream cast for "Wicked" would have myself playing Elphaba and my husband Scott playing the role of Fiyero. If it never happens at least I can keep dreaming...

GCP Girl: What is your favorite quote?
AM: Don't hate me for mentioning this, Scott, but it would have to be "I love you, Beebee." Let me explain - Beebee is Scott's nickname for me because I love bees, we are "Meant to Bee" together (which is actually engraved inside our wedding rings) and, well, I am his "baby." I love hearing him say this to me each day because, and yes, I know this is incredibly mushy, but it shows how much he loves me and how comfortable we are with each other. I mean really, how many people can you truly baby talk to? ;)

GCP Girl: What inspires you?
AM: My husband, Scott. He is the best person I know, and I try very hard each day to be as good as he is. He challenges me in all aspects of my life and he loves me for just being me - even during all the crazy moments, which happens a lot these days being prego and all. :) I am very excited to become a parent with him because I know our little Amy will be smothered with love from both of us.

GCP Girl: Tell me one thing about yourself you would like everyone to know!
AM: I have a weird fear of going under the water. It is pathetic I know. I have to hold my nose when I go under, or wear those huge snorkeling goggles. It is quite a sight.

Thanks, Ashley!

xo xo GCP Girl

"Pippin" Production Team Profile: Keith Newhouse

"Pippin" Director Keith Newhouse dishes on his directorial debut!

 

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
KN: At Wagner College, I was in "Anything Goes" (Sailor Quartet), "Titanic" (Edgar Beane), and "Pirates of Penzance" (Pirate). At the GCP, I've been in "Music Man" (Marcellus), "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," "Hot Mikado," "Hello, Dolly!" (Ambrose), "Jane Eyre" (Mason), and various tech positions, including Assistant Director for "Oliver."

GCP Girl: What was your favorite show?
KN: In 6th grade, my first lead role was in a play called "Really Rosie," by Maurice Sendak. I played Chicken Soup, and besides being a really fun part, the cast was so close. I just recently found my "sisters" on Facebook.

GCP Girl: What do you feel is your area of expertise - singing, acting or dancing?
KN: Singing, although only in musical theatre. I sound horrible singing pop/rock. I've been told I'm a pretty good actor, but I don't believe them. The only person who's ever enjoyed my dancing has been Margery Pierson, and of course there were the fabulous "footawagas" performed with Malik in "Seven Brides."

GCP Girl: What does your "Pippin" icon represent?
KN: An icon was created to represent the entire production team and crew. While I did not have anything to do with the design of it (I know my limitations of talent), to me it represents balance... the balance that is necessary to produce a successful play. Knowing what I can excel at on my own, versus what I will need help with from my production team and crew.

GCP Girl: What do you hope people take away from "Pippin"?
KN: While of course there is the Everyman story in "Pippin," I just want people (including the cast, crew and production team) to have fun. I also want people to realize that while I had a small hand in the play, the reason it's so great is because of everything that the production team, crew, and cast put into it. I want the audience to realize (and I think they do) just how much hard work and extra time was put into the show by each individual involved!

GCP Girl: What is your dream role?
KN: Gosh, it gets updated so frequently, but of course Mark in "Rent" is always on that list. Currently, Leaf Coneybear in "Spelling Bee," and The Man in Chair in "Drowsy Chaperone" top the list, and of course Leo in "The Producers" ;-) .

GCP Girl: What is your favorite quote?
KN: "Are you an idiot? No sir, I'm a dreamer."

GCP Girl: What inspires you?
KN: Passion.

GCP Girl: Tell me one thing about yourself you would like everyone to know!
KN: I'm not GCP Girl, so stop asking! :-P

Thanks, Keith! Congrats on a great show! Remember, there are eight more chances to see "Pippin" before it closes!

xo xo GCP Girl

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xo xo GCP Girl

"Pippin" Cast Profile: Anna Olcese

Player Anna Olcese lights up the "Pippin" stage with smooth Fosse moves!

GCP Girl: Tell me about some of your previous shows.
AO: I was Miss Carter in "It's a Wonderful Life" at the GCP and stage manager for "Aural Odyssey" at SFC. Many, many moons ago, I was involved in dozens of other productions,
but it was so very long ago that some members of the cast were not yet born.

GCP Girl: What was your favorite show?
AO: I'm having a blast playing my character in "Pippin." I think it's because I can just let go of my inhibitions, while having a great time dancing and singing.

GCP Girl: What do you feel is your area of expertise - singing, acting or dancing?
AO: I'm definitely an actor, first and foremost. I've danced my whole life and I'm trained in classical ballet; but, I had never "officially" danced jazz until this semester at SFC. I'm convinced I cannot sing.

GCP Girl: What does your "Pippin" icon represent?
AO: It is supposed to be a sort of yin-yang symbol, because I'm a Cancer and my astrological sign kind of looks like that. Also, I thought that my character in "Pippin" is someone who is very different from how I appear in public life, but not too different from how I am in private.
We all have two sides to our personalities...

GCP Girl: What do you hope people take away from "Pippin"?
AO: The idea that life is wonderful if you make it that way. We have free will, and with that comes great responsibility. Temptations will always exist, people will always try to stereotype you, lie to you, make you believe less of yourself, and lead you down the wrong paths, but it's up to you to decide how you will live your life. Be who you are and be happy with that. Aside from all that, I'd like people to think, "Damn, that is one fine cast! Where'd they get all those
fantastic actors?"

GCP Girl: What is your dream role?
AO: Velma Kelly in "Chicago." I think it's for the same reason I like playing the saucy character in "Pippin." She's different than I am, but playing someone so opposite is great because I can really sink my teeth into the role and go beyond my comfort zone. However, I will NEVER play Velma Kelly because I do not possess that kind of vocal talent. That, to my dog's dismay, does not prevent me from singing "All That Jazz" around the house or on our daily walks. :)

GCP Girl: What is your favorite quote?
AO: "What you are is God's gift to you. What you become is your gift to God."

GCP Girl: What inspires you?
AO: My daughter.

GCP Girl: Tell me one thing about yourself you would like everyone to know!
AO: I married the first boy I ever kissed, and I still feel that kind of electricity every time I see him. Guess some things are meant to be...

Thanks, Anna!

xo xo GCP Girl